Lionel Messi set to leave PSG at end of season

Lionel Messi is “much more likely” to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season than sign a new deal, a source close to the club told AFP on Tuesday.

“The dynamics have completely changed with PSG less pushing to renew (his contract),” the source said.

He added that there was “no deal, no exit yet. But exit is much more likely”.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that the split looks set to happen, unless he unexpectedly agrees to a pay cut.

Messi, who will turn 36 in June, joined in 2021 on a two-year deal which expires at the end of this campaign.

He led Argentina to World Cup in Qatar last December.

On Sunday, he was jeered by some PSG fans as the teams were announced before the 1-0 home defeat by Lyon.

Supporters of the Qatar-owned club are unhappy at the malaise around the team since they were eliminated from the Champions League in the last 16 by Bayern Munich in March.

“The fans have changed things completely,” the source said of the chances of Messi’s deal being renewed.

He has scored 29 goals and set up 32 more in 67 appearances for PSG in all competitions.

Barcelona have been openly courting Messi, hoping to persuade the Argentinian to return to Nou Camp.

He had left the club two years ago, after winning four Champions League titles with them.

“I would love it if he returned,” Barca vice-president Rafael Yuste said last week.

Yuste also admitted he had been in “contact” with Messi.

The superstar has also been linked with a possible move to Major League Soccer, where Inter Miami are said to be interested in signing him.

– AFP